Atypical Gallery old – University of Atypical

Atypical Gallery old

Our gallery hosts exhibitions and events that support the work of d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists based in Northern Ireland. The programme runs throughout the year, and showcases work of artists working in diverse media, themes and styles.

The Atypical Gallery takes part in the monthly Late Night Art Belfast event on the first Thursday of every month.

You can find information about accessibility in the Atypical Gallery on our accessibility page.

Charys Wilson – Half Light

The work is inspired in part by the practice of forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku: a Japanese tradition of spending quiet, mindful time among trees. Research shows that this kind of intentional time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and even boost the immune system.
For many of us this kind of immersive experience can feel out of reach, especially during the colder months or in urban environments. This installation is a way to bring some of those benefits indoors: a moment of calm, light, and quiet connection.

Passages by Anushiya Sundaralingam

The boats’ delicate frameworks echo the human skeleton—structures that support yet fracture, heal, and hold history. This duality invites viewers to contemplate how displacement shapes the body and psyche alike.

Connecting Artists Collective – Group Exhibition

Connecting Artists Programme & Collective: This national annual initiative pairs artists who are neurodivergent or have an intellectual disability with mentors and nurtures their creative development and visibility. The programme

Art is Collective – Inner Space, Outer Place

Exhibition dates: 3 July – 30 July 2025  Late Night Art Belfast  6:00 pm – 9:00 pm, Thursday 3 July 2025 Artist Talk 11:00 am – 12:30 pm, Thursday 10 July

Reliquary, As Oubliette by Eibh Gordon

Simulacrums, representations and abstractions of the artist’s body exist in a state of contradiction. As a prayer for wellness in spite of the inescapable nature of death, as a record

Shedding Light – Steph Harrison

Daily encounters with the landscape became a ritual, a pilgrimage and a search for what once existed. I hovered in a liminal space, untethered, adrift. As I resurfaced, I began

Hell or high water III – Vikkie Patterson

Hell or high water II opened on the 24th July 2023 at the Market Place Theatre Gallery, Armagh as part of the John Hewitt International Summer School, and continued until

Pathways: d/Deaf and Disabled Artists Support Fund 2024 Group Exhibition

Some of the work is the development of ongoing practice and for others the award has facilitated new and innovative projects. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our open

Brian Connolly – Resident Artist

Brian Connolly was an Associate Lecturer in Fine Art, Sculpture, in the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, Belfast, between 1995 and August 2022. He is a multi-media artist

Connecting Artists Collective – Group Exhibition

Group Exhibition by Connecting Artists Collective 1-28 August 2024. University of Atypical is delighted to invite you to our latest exhibition of the annual Group Exhibition from Connections Arts Centre,

Empty House – Christine Kernohan

Empty House – Solo exhibition by Christine Kernohan 4 June – 24 July 2024 University of Atypical are pleased to invite you to the opening of our 2023 Ulster University

Catharsis – Scott Ramsey

About this exhibition: Catharsis ‘The process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from strong or repressed emotions’ University of Atypical are pleased to host an exhibition of work by artist

The Drawing Rooms

Exhibition run: Thursday 21 March – Thursday 9 May 2024 Artist Talk – Friday 26 March 2024 1– 2pm Access: BSL Interpreter booked for artist talk on Friday 26 March.

I AM? Exhibition

I Am? – Exhibition Taking the theme of ‘I Am’ as a starting point or catalyst, the exhibition showcases a range of artworks representing each of the artists’ interpretation of

Introduction to British Sign Language

THIS COURSE IS NOW FULLY BOOKED Introduction to British Sign Language (BSL) Course (6 weeks). This course is designed for learners who have very limited or no previous knowledge of

Nocturnes by Joel Simon

Joel Simon, an artist with a rich background in film-making, unveils “NOCTURNES” as a series of narrative oil paintings. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant nightlife of Belfast, Simon’s exhibition captures

Call-Out Physical Theatre Masterclass

Call-Out for the Bounce Festival Physical Theatre Masterclass Venue: Duncairn Arts and Cultural Centre, Antrim Road, Belfast Date: Sunday 8 th October, 11am-4pm. Tutors: David Calvert, Jade Quinn and Paula

Dreaming of a village – Una Walker

Dreaming of a village: An Exhibition by Una Walker University of Atypical, Atypical Gallery Exhibition opening Thursday 5th October 2023 at 6.00pm Artist Gallery Talk – Friday 6th October 2023

Connecting Artists Programme

University of Atypical is delighted to exhibit work created as part of the Connecting Artists Programme 2023. Connecting Artists is a creative programme of the Connections Arts Centre which is

Epitaph – Amy Hannah

The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is delighted to welcome you to Epitaph an exhibition of new work by artist Amy Hannah opening at 5.30pm on Thursday the

Upside Down – Ciaran Magill

Upside Down Ciaran Magill 4 May to 9 June 2023 About the Exhibition The University of Atypical is delighted to invite you to join us for the launch of, Upside

University of Atypical Graduate Award

University of Atypical Graduate Award The UofA Graduate Art Award is open to graduating Fine Art students from Ulster University who identify as d/Deaf, disabled or neurodiverse. The UofA Graduate

Urban Survival Kits Exhibition 2023

About the exhibition – what to expect Urban Survival Kits (USK) is an innovative Erasmus + programme led by the University of Atypical for Arts and Disability (UofA) in Belfast

Jacqueline Wylie: In Conversation

Jacqueline Wylie: In Conversation 24th February 2023 6pm – 7pm Join us for an informal gathering with artist Jacqueline Wylie for an exhibition tour and talk about her work and

Claiming Space, Creating Space Dr. Jacqueline Wylie

About the exhibition Claiming Space, creating space is a new solo exhibition by Dr. Jacqueline Wylie. Wylie is a multidisciplinary artist whose ideas are often shaped and informed by her

Commune – Group Exhibition

Commune Group Exhibition 1 December 2022 – 20 January 2023 Launch from 5pm – 8pm Join us on Thursday the 1st of December 2022 for Late Night Art for an

Images of Incoming

The Images of Incoming exhibition is the result of a project which engaged with some 50 women from Northern Ireland and Canada. The Northern Ireland -Canadian project emerged from an

Workshop Exploring melody, music and Rhythm – Project Sparks

Come along and explore melody, movement and rhythm with Project Sparks’ exceptionally talented disabled/neurodivergent mentors. Every voice and ability will shine in this inclusive music workshop, as participants explore their

Video Real Artist: Group exhibition

The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability and our partners Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, offer the ‘Video Real’ online exhibition by. Members of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council’s

Get it out of you! – Paul Moore

Get it out of you! is a new live work by Paul Moore who is particularly intrigued by the body and landscape, nature and machine in relation to our internal

My Place & Space – Group exhibition

The University of Atypical for Arts and Disability is delighted to work with our festival partners Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Derry City & Strabane District Council, bringing new

Digital innovation – meet the artists- Grace Fairley, Porcelain Delaney

Introducing the first taster sessions from two outstanding neurodiverse artists. Grace Fairley, animation artist from Northern Ireland introduces her workshop on creating animated promotional gifs and Porcelain Delaney, theatre and

THE VIBES PLAY SKA /REGGAE – THE VIBES

Join us for the final live event of Bounce Arts Festival 2022 with a fun filled night of Belfast’s finest Reggae & Ska! Come out to play, get your toe’s

Weaving Threads – Andrew Ward, Cinzia Savonitti, Mary Lou McCord, Helen Hall, Linda Fearon

Weaving Threads is a multi-artform performance that brings together Open Arts’ participants who have developed their own artistic practice through support from DDASF grants, distributed by University of Atypical. Featuring

Adventures in Physical Theatre – Master Class -David Calvert

Join artist and artistic director David Calvert for a master class in tried and tested physical theatre methods. This unique session has been devised with all abilities in mind and

Crip/Work: What happens if the show doesn’t go on?- Isolde ÓBrolcháin Carmody

Being disabled, D/deaf or neurodiverse is a challenge to ableist assumptions about what bodies and brains can do. Being an artist challenges capitalist assumptions about how to value work and

Joe Kenny Live for BOUNCE 2022 – Joe Kenny

Join Joe Kenny live for an exclusive matinee show as part of BOUNCE 2022. An unmissable show for the shoppers, Joe will be performing songs from his debut EP Perfect

Accessible Residencies – what might a best practice model look like? – Jamie Wyld

What might an accessible residency look like or be like for artists who are d/Deaf, disabled, or neurodivergent? In collaboration with University of Atypical and COVEN BERLIN, videoclub has been

Cadavre Exquis – (Exquisite Corpse) A participation art game – Davidt Dunlop

We’re super excited to welcome our first Bounce Arts Festival artist in residence, Davidt Dunlop. David is taking over the Crescent Arts Centre’s Cafe space and you’re invited to drop

TRANSIENCE… Intimate Moments at the Piano – Ruth McGinley

An intimate evening of piano music that promises to draw the listener into McGinley’s unique and soothing sound world. ‘Transience’ is a musical journey through fleeting moments of musical storytelling

Shussssh! – Open Arts

Shussssh!! Ok so we know this kind of thing happens on the downlow but why not pop along and witness this unique public intervention starting with an acapella song from

Creative Dance and Movement Masterclass – Helen Hall

Come and explore, create dance and movement with Helen. Helen will guide you through movement tasks to allow you to express your own unique way of moving. This will be a

My Life With Them – Book Launch

“I’d like to write my life story.” ‘My Life With Them’ is the non-linear autobiography of Larry MacAree. His book is filled with rich anecdotes about Belfast from the late 1960s

Song Of The Bones – VOKXEN

The story of Ireland’s last Witch Trial ‘The Song of the Bones’ is a piece of dark, immersive storytelling gig theatre; merging our electronic pop music with puppetry and spoken

CHILL – A relaxed classical concert

The Crescent and Belfast Music Society are delighted to present an afternoon of accessible high quality classical music for people with additional access requirements and their families. Join Christopher, Cecily

Something for Nothing? – Jo Verrent

Don’t expect something for nothing (especially from disabled creatives)! Sound familiar? ‘Could you just tell us how…?’ ‘Have you any contacts you could pass on?’ ‘Where can I find further

New Encounters: A Poetry Workshop for Blind and Partially Sighted People

This workshop will be held in a supportive space where you can unleash your love of poetry and is especially tailored to blind and partially sighted people. You’ll awaken your

Anthropause – Warriors of the Dystotheque, Reverse Jazz, Micky O’Brien

Warriors of the Dystotheque presents Anthropause The House and Techno session Ft Reverse Jazz & Micky O’Brien Warriors of the Dystotheque have spent the past 20 years DJ’n across the

Scenes from Inner Space – Blue Chevy Ensemble & Paula Clarke

1st Experience: 7.00pm – 7.40pm 2nd Experience: 7.40pm – 8.20pm 3rd Experience: 8.20pm – 9.00pm The Blue Chevy Ensemble, in collaboration with deaf performer/activist Paula Clarke, presents Scenes from Inner

LIMINAL – Hugh O’Donnell

Liminal is a new performance artwork by artist Hugh O’Donnell is part of Bounce Arts Festival 2022 and is live only once, not to be missed! Liminal explores in between

Feeding Carrots from the South to Wild Donkeys in the North – Shiro Masuyama

The division of the country of Cyprus appears to me to have more serious implications than the current divisions still existing in Belfast, Northern Ireland, where I live. Political conflict

Still Livin’ – Larry MacAree

“It’s an exhibition about my life. I’ve always been an artist for a long time. I’m related to an artist, thousands of years back.” (Larry MacAree) Still Livin’, a new

Welcome to Urban Survival Kits (USK)

This creative partnership sees the University of Atypical work in collaboration with local participants from the NOW Group, Belfast and our European partner organisations from Cotopaxi, Poland; Blauschimmel Atelier, Germany;

Tairseach

Irish performance artist Sinéad O’Donnell will collaborate with Selina Bonelli (Maidstone, England) and Marta Bosowska (Poznan, Poland) on a new disability-led project and hybrid way of creative engagement. After a period of online dialogue and virtual and in-person research, the project will culminate in a residency and live public performance in Belfast.

All of These Songs are About Dying

SWADDLE – Dominic McKeown

The University of Atypical is delighted to invite you to join us for the launch of SWADDLE, a thought provoking new exhibition by Dominic McKeown. Dominic received the University of

YES WE ARE IN!

An international inclusive livestream adventure IO1-Meeting Brussels Description: Five days of intensive training with five theatre groups. All participants, five ambassadors per theatre group are persons with disabilities, full of

Accessing Architecture Exhibition

ISL Promotional video BSL Promotional video The Exhibition runs until Friday 27 January 2022 at the University of Atypical Gallery at 109-113 Royal Avenue, Belfast. Below is a virtual tour

Accessing Architecture

CRAFT:IN EU Project 2021

CRAFT:IN Crafting the Inclusion: Crafts and Practices in non-formal education for increasing social inclusion This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the

Image ID: Painting on ceramic by Dara Condon as part of the Strangely Disjointed & Idiosyncratic exhibition. The painting is of a goddess in the style of an Ancient Greek bust. The goddess is wearing a face covering. The background is done in shades of blue and white. The goddess is mostly blue except for the eyes which are white. The goddess is outlined in black and there are also shades of brown in places around the neck and face.

strangely disjointed & idiosyncratic

Dara Condon was the recipient of the University of Atypical’s Graduate Award 2019 and we’re pleased to see this promising graduate’s exhibition realised. Dara’s inspiration derives from eclectic pools of

Image ID: A feminine figure sits on the ground in the bottom left of the photograph. They have long reddish/brown hair, wearing a white t-shirt and teal coloured trousers. They are looking through a camera on a tripod, beside them is a wheelchair. Six people are standing in a semi circle in the background and there are other people to the left and right of the photo.

Fittings & MisFittings

The DisOrdinary Architecture Project was established in 2008. Since then a network of disabled artists have collaborated with architecture, interiors and built environment students, educators, researchers, practitioners and other interested

‘Where Do We Live’ Drawing Workshop

With James Ashe Free James Ashe invites you to take part in a series of artist-led workshops that will be an expansion of his ‘Where Do We Live’ map project

Jacqueline Wylie – “Life Goes On”

Jacqueline Wylie began to document the impact of Covid-19 on herself and the spirit of her local community of Ballymacarrett in May 2020. Most of the photographs were taken while

Disability, Covid-19, & the ‘Second Shift’

The second shift refers to Arlie Hochschild’s 1989 book, which describes the labour performed at home in addition to the paid work performed in the formal sector. It is comparable

Helen Hall – The Moving City

Dance/Movement Workshop Free The University of Atypical is delighted to work with award winning local dancer Helen Hall in offering a series of experimental workshops exploring dance and movement to

LOOK UP! with James Ashe

James Ashe invites you to download his Belfast map and draw on the blank side what you see in your area, interesting features of the built environment that sometimes get

International Women’s Day 2021

Niamh Scullion Reading 3pm – 4pm Join us on International Women’s Day for an afternoon with Belfast based writer, maker and doer Niamh Scullion. The theme for this year’s IWD

Niki Collier – “Viruses” Exhibition

Plaster Casting Workshop with Model Citizen

We had hoped to have people in the gallery to take part in a one-off plaster casting session with architect/maker John Donnelly of ‘Model Citizen’ but we can’t right now!

Brian Kielt – Confessional

Titled Confessional, this solo exhibition features portraits and landscapes which combine found and original imagery. The shifting perspectives of these paintings prompts the viewer to – physically – take a

“FLESH control” Culture Night 2020

The University of Atypical are delighted to premiere Flesh Control by Belfast based film maker Christopher McSherry as part of this year’s Culture Night Belfast 2020. Somewhere in a forgotten,

Graduate Award 2020 – Dominic McKeown & Sinéad O’Neill-Nicholl

University of Atypical is delighted to once more announce our annual Graduate Award, aimed at supporting D/deaf and disabled artists at the beginning of their professional career in the arts. This year’s cohort of students

Acupuncture for Artists

Mental ill-health amongst artists is three times the national average. To coincide with Confessional’s themes of trauma and anxiety, we are offering free acupuncture sessions for artists in partnership with

Gillian O’Hagan & Helen Sloan – Missing Voices

Over a five week period, Helen and Gillian worked with a group of nine adolescent girls from four schools across Belfast. Using smartphones, the girls produced a series of 34

Alma Haser – Pseudo

Pseudo is a series that plays on what’s real and what’s not. In a world where we are constantly told about Fake News, not to believe the first thing you

Richard Canning – The Space Between

The Space Between is an expansion of the work in Richard’s final MA end of year show and explores the consistencies of construction and deconstruction. For this exhibition, Richard has

Mary Cody – String

Mary’s practice investigates the material nature of painting today. Through her steady, considered and labour-intensive approach, layers of wool, string and acrylic are carefully articulated onto canvas. Only Mary knows

Jane McCormick – Not Half Right

Launch: Saturday November 10th 2018 2pm to 4pm Exhibition Dates: November 12th to December 21st 2018 She describes it as a monologue of misery, made slowly with many intermissions and

Maurice Hobson – Faces Caught In Time

Born in Caledon, Co. Tyrone in 1957, Maurice Hobson was injured in a bomb-blast in Dungannon in 1975 and sadly passed away in 1987, aged just 30 years old. The

Robin Price – Air of the Anthropocene

Air of the Anthropocene is a fascinating National Lottery-funded art project created by artist Robin Price and University of Birmingham environmental scientist Professor Francis Pope. The project documents air pollution